Lionel Messi did not feature in the Argentina’s match against Bolivia. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner travelled with the team but didn’t feature in the match. His absence sparked speculation about him missing the Inter Miami game against Atlanta United, which has only been aggravated by a journalist’s update.
Lionel Messi has been off to a perfect start to his MLS career. Having been unbeaten since joining the side, the Argentinian has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for Inter Miami. Moreover, Inter Miami won their last match against Kansas City in Messi’s absence.
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Now, a Spanish journalist has claimed Messi has not travelled with the squad to Atlanta. Federico Bueno has further claimed that the Argentine did not travel with the team owing to Inter Miami’s busy schedule this month. The Herons will play eight matches in the next 22 days, including the US Open Cup final on September 27 against Houston – before the next international break
The journalist also allied fears of an injury to Messi, claiming Messi is not carrying a knock.
It is not a surprise that Messi has not travelled with the squad, given the turf of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United’s home stadium features an artificial turf. Artificial turfs are known for being injury-prone for footballers, with many players suffering ligament or knee injuries in the past.
It is not a surprise that Messi has decided to sit out of the game, specially given his recent injury scare with Argentina. The Argentinian though had himself addressed this topic when he arrived in USA.
“The truth is my youth was spent on artificial turf, my whole life was on that pitch. It’s been a while since I’ve played on artificial turf, but I have no problem adapting myself again,” the World Cup winner had said.
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